Computer Technologist Turns To Education To Unlock Cyber Crimes In Dallas
Dennis Dayman is a cyber crimes expert in law enforcement, and a "self-taught" computer technologist who looks to higher education as the next step in battling cyber crimes.
Tell us about your computer background.
"Computers were a hobby of mine in the late '80s. My dad helped me purchase a Packard Bell Legend 316SX to log into bulletin board systems. I'm self-taught; because of my inquisitive nature of wanting to know how things worked, my parents got tired of me taking things like clock radios apart and then miraculously putting them back together."
You work in the criminal justice field; tell us about your work.
"Most of my work is in online criminal justice or policy issues. In many law enforcement programs you either go law enforcement, corrections, or legal/courts. My plan was to go into local or federal law enforcement, but wasn't sure what field of focus I wanted to be in. My father helped me connect my two likes when he called me in 1997 and said that AT&T had something called the "Internet" they wanted to develop as a service to its customers and needed someone who knew computers/Internet and, also law. Since that time, I've never looked back at being a law enforcement officer - my primary career choice. I've been happy in the private sector helping protect companies and our nation's electronic assets."
You also work on cyber crimes; tell us what you do.
"I am a chief security and privacy officer for different companies including Return Path. In this position, I use my experience to provide best practices to my employers, their customers, and ensure the compliance of their communication data flows. I'm also responsible for coordinating and managing employers' international electronic commerce, privacy and Internet related policy issues. I ensure the physical and electronic security integrity of the company."
Why are you considering a master's degree?
"Even though I have a Bachelors of Arts in Criminal Justice, I believe that the need to continue to educate ourselves is imperative. I've continued my education by becoming a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). I'm looking to ensure that my understanding of international law and the relation to the Internet and new technologies is well-balanced, so that innovations can be freely done, but without the need of more regulations. Obtaining a master's will help me gain advanced knowledge and understanding of the relationship between law, technology, commerce and society."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com